Now the W.H.O. has declared a health emergency in Brazil over the spread of the Zika virus which has been linked to birth defects, most notably microcephaly. The mosquito borne virus was confirmed yesterday in a case of transmission by sexual contact in Texas. The transmitting person had acquired the virus in Venezuela. This is the first known case of the spread to America of the Zika virus.
With the 2016 Olympics just months away in Brazil, this information was not welcomed by a government reeling from an economic slump. After spending billions on infrastucture improvements, the government must now deal with a new problem which could deal a blow to their hopes for a boost to the nation's economic outlook.
While not often fatal, the prevalence of the disease among the poor means that getting health aid to those who need it most will be difficult. Pregnant women are advised to be checked for the disease and to take added precautions against infection. This new awareness of the transmission of the virus is especially disturbing.
Dilma Rousseff is probably taking more aspirin for her headaches.
Update: 2/4/16
Health officials confirm that the Zika virus has been found in donated blood to blood banks. One gun shot victim received tainted blood and later died from his wounds, not the virus. An organ transplant patient who received several units of donated blood found to be tainted is expected to survive. meanwhile, in Florida,, Gov. Rick Scott declared 4 counties, including Miami/Dade, as health emergency locations related to Zika virus. Several cases were reported among individuals who had returned from Latin American countries.
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